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Draft designs for a new taxi rank and toilets in Gilles Street have been unveiled.

Both will be situated on the eastern side of the street close to the intersection with Timor Street.

The designs were prepared in consultation with Gilles Street stakeholders including residents from Gilles Street, taxi drivers, security officers, Timor Street businesses and representatives from the police, TAFE, Brophy and the post office.

Mayor Cr Michael Neoh said the toilet and taxi rank designs were complementary and materials to be used in the project were consistent with the city centre design guidelines adopted earlier this year by Council.

“The Loo Review of 2013 identified the work required to meet community expectations around our public amenities and replacing the temporary toilets in Gilles Street was highlighted as one of the priorities,” Cr Neoh said.

“The proposed taxi rank design we think will work smoothly and provide a safer environment, particularly late at night after our entertainment venues close and people are heading home.”

Manager City Renewal Tanya Egan said funding for the project had come from the State Government ($500,000) and the Council ($350,000).

The design includes two unisex toilets, another toilet with wheelchair access, a rainwater tank, landscaping and a taxi shelter that provides an increased seating capacity, greater roof area for protection from weather and sufficient space for two taxis to draw parallel to the kerb.

The footpath leading to the taxi rank will be one level to improve accessibility and ready access to post office boxes will be maintained.

The toilets will be set back from the footpath and occupy space at the rear of the post office-council building. A largely disused brick storage shed will be demolished to make way for the toilets.

Edging will be installed to protect the Norfolk Island pines from traffic.